Swine Flu Concerns: Are Masks Really Necessary or Just a Media Hype?

Dr. Deepak Purohit wrote to Presidents about Swine Flu (Wearing masks is not a MUST).

PLEASE GO THROUGH THIS

My dear Presidents,

I agree with you that swine flu awareness is needed, but there is no need to be panicky and join the publicity propaganda carried out by the media and others, which acts as a vehicle to spread misconceptions rather than scientific information.

These are a few facts about swine flu when discussed with leading epidemiologists.

1) Swine flu, known as H1N1 flu, is not new; first detected in 1987.
2) The infective stage of the flu is 5 days, 1 day before and 4 days after the onset of symptoms.
3) The best way to prevent its spread is by asking patients with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and a runny nose to rest at home for 4 days to prevent transmission.
4) Masks have limited value, if any, in this disease. It can spread through droplets on your skin, through contact, etc. I have seen masks in Pune being worn as a fashion statement. While walking on the road today morning, I saw people wearing masks coming out for a morning walk with their dogs; many were wearing masks around their necks, and so on. In fact, these masks could carry the virus, so avoiding crowded places like cinema halls or malls with air conditioners on is advisable, as recirculated air can cause the virus density to multiply.

5) Death from H1N1 flu is not common. Infections like measles take a toll of thousands more every year, a fact many are oblivious to. Swine flu is being blown out of proportion by the media to create hysteria among the public.
6) Fever accompanied by respiratory distress should be immediately reported, as it could be a complication of H1N1 flu.
7) The mortality rate is less than 0.01 percent of those affected, meaning maybe one in 10,000 affected individuals is likely to suffer a loss of life.
8) Two years ago, SARS was blown out of proportion. What happened? Humans developed immunity to the virus. The same is likely to happen with swine flu as our bodies develop immunity over time. There is no need to panic. We should take care of children and the elderly with weaker immune systems and avoid crowded places.

We must start a campaign not to fear this flu and continue our daily work as normal. No masks for ordinary citizens; however, healthcare workers or individuals exposed to crowded environments may benefit, although it is not proven.

I am amazed to hear that people are selling masks for Rs. 20 each when they are available for less than Rs. 1 in the market. Consider who is benefiting from this.

Please spread scientific information, do not join the bandwagon, and stick to science. That should be the order of the day.

Deepak Purohit
District Governor

Thank you for the information, but what about the death rate being seen in the infected count. Could you also tell me the swine flu affected areas in India till now?

Here is the corrected and formatted text:

---

More latest on Swine flu. Almost the same but little more information included. Hope it helps.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Swine Flu

The Indian Medical Association, Nagpur Centre, has come up with an information dossier on swine flu. The details are given below:

What is H1N1 (swine) flu?

H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas.

In the beginning, it was difficult to predict the effect of this virus on the general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people with 65 years or more age, children below five years, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions.

This virus is contagious, but at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

- Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

- Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?

The spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways:

H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is sick.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infected by you.
- Reduce the time spent in crowded settings.
- Improve airflow in the living space by opening the windows and proper ventilation.
- Practice good health habits, including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

How long can the influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that the influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches his own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing hands.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?

Yes, the use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

Follow the advice of your local public health department regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other measures to reduce flu transmission. These measures will continue to be essential after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical care. Your healthcare provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of illness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick, you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and clean your hands thoroughly afterward.

If you are sick and have to travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat, and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1). If they suspect any symptoms, they will send your blood sample, throat swab, and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories. Presently, this facility is available only at certain specified government laboratories.

---

I have corrected the spelling, grammar, and formatting errors in the text provided. Let me know if you need any further assistance.